Gravel Weight, Coverage, and Types
How much gravel you need, what a cubic yard weighs, and which type fits your project.
Gravel is a loose aggregate of small stones used for driveways, drainage, walkways, and bases beneath concrete or pavers. Its weight typically ranges from 2,400 to 2,900 pounds per cubic yard. Knowing its density, coverage, and required depth helps you order the right amount without paying for excess material.
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Most landscaping gravels weigh roughly 2,400–2,900 lb per cubic yard (1,400–1,700 kg/m³), depending on the stone type and moisture level. Angular crushed stone compacts more tightly than rounded river rock, so it covers slightly less area at the same depth.
A typical driveway has a total gravel depth of 4–6 inches installed in two lifts: a coarse base of ¾″-minus stone or crusher run topped with decorative or drainage-friendly gravel, such as #57 stone or pea gravel. French drains and dry wells use clean, washed stone with no fines so water can move through it.
What is gravel used for?
- Driveways and parking pads
- Walkways and garden paths
- Drainage / French drains
- Sub-base under pavers, patios, and concrete slabs
- Erosion control and ground cover
Which types of gravel are there?
What else do people ask about gravel?
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Between 2,400 and 2,900 pounds (1.2–1.45 US tons) for most landscape gravels. Wet gravel weighs 5–10% more.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
4–6 inches total, ideally in two layers: 3–4″ of compacted crusher run as a base, then 1–2″ of #57 stone or decorative gravel on top.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
About 70–80 sq ft at 3″ depth or 100 sq ft at 2″ depth.